Update September 12: Bearspaw South Feeder Main repairs

Update September 12: Bearspaw South Feeder Main repairs
Construction update
Our construction is continuing to progress well. Repairs are entering the final stages at most of our remaining sites.
We have now completed repairs on 20 out of the 21 pipe segments.
At Sites 1 to 4, including 33 Avenue N.W. and Shouldice Park, all 12 pipe repairs are complete, and we are working on backfilling and paving. It is important to note that paving is weather dependent.
Yesterday, we completed backfilling at Site 1 and the first stage of paving at Sites 2 and 3.
Repair work at Site 4 in Shouldice Park is also complete, and equipment has been removed from the area.
At Site 5, 33 Avenue Northwest at 86 Street N.W., one remaining excavation is ongoing.
At the other two segments concrete pouring is complete and the forms have been removed, now backfill activities are underway.
At Sites 6 to 8 on 16 Avenue N.W., excavation and concrete pouring are complete, and the concrete forms have been removed. Backfilling is underway, with paving work to follow.
As we’ve been working on repairs, a third-party consultant is conducting a detailed forensics report. This includes comprehensive results from our PipeDiver inspection, as well as soil and structural analysis of the pipe. We expect the final report to be ready by the end of October and will share more details about the findings, when they are available.
Next steps
We expect to reopen roads and bring the feeder main back in service earlier than originally anticipated. While there is still a chance the rain could impact timelines, this weekend we plan to start pouring concrete ahead of schedule at the last repair segment on Site 5 on 33 Avenue N.W. and 86 Street N.W.
Over the weekend, portions of 33 Avenue N.W. east of 83 Street N.W. will begin reopening and residents will have access to parking on the road in front of their homes. We’ll focus on finishing the concrete curbs, gutters, sidewalks and restoring driveways and landscaping, which will be ongoing.
On Monday, Sept. 16, we expect to reopen 16 Avenue N.W. However, there will be a few localized lane closures. This is a full week ahead of schedule.
We also expect to reopen sections of 33 Avenue N.W. west of 86 Street N.W. next week.
We will be working on bringing the feeder main back in service and restoring water to Calgarians. This process involves three steps: filling, testing and stabilizing.
Filling the feeder main with water is scheduled to begin Monday, Sept. 16 and will take about three days. While we are filling, we will be running water quality tests at the same time.
In June, we had to flush the feeder main to remove potential contaminants, but this time, the pipe was never opened so flushing is not needed to ensure water quality.
We will have our water samples analyzed in a lab, and if they meet quality standards, we will move to the next step, stabilizing the system. This involves turning on the pumps at the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant and opening valves to connect the feeder main to the larger water distribution system. Stabilization should take less than a day.
If everything goes according to plan, we can return to normal water use and lift all outdoor water restrictions over the weekend of Sept. 21. Our team is working around the clock to speed up progress where safely possible.
Thank you again for your ongoing support and patience as we finish this project. We especially want to recognize the residents and businesses most impacted by the construction. We understand it has been a difficult experience, and we hope that finishing the work ahead of schedule offers some relief. We encourage everyone to support businesses in the Bowness and Montgomery area now and as 16 Avenue N.W. reopens.
Water use
Yesterday’s water use was 484 million litres, which is the second day we have been in the ‘sustainable’ green zone where we can operate the Glenmore Treatment Plant without strain.
We want to extend a big thank you to all Calgarians, local businesses and nearby communities for your ongoing efforts to save water. Your actions are making a real difference, and it is a huge relief to our plant operators and water team.
Until the feeder main is back in service, it is still very important to keep saving water. While the recent rain has given relief to our lawns and gardens, our ability to move drinking water in the system remains challenged. Now is the perfect time to refill your rain barrels or containers while rain is in the forecast. Please keep up your water saving efforts for just a little longer-we are almost there.
For the latest updates, water-saving tips and to sign up for email notifications about the construction, visit calgary.ca/savewater.